Can Coconut Oil Cure Coronavirus?

Can coconut oil be an effective cure against coronavirus?

A recent study published by the Integrated Chemists of The Philippines has offered the idea that coconut oil and its derivatives are potentially effective and safe as an antiviral agent against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

At this time, there’s no known cure for coronavirus. With no guaranteed solution in sight to this pandemic, sensational myths and alternative remedies have been springing up everywhere. Having a bit of coconut oil now and again is very unlikely to protect you against such an aggressive virus.

But although the media tends to sensationalise scientific facts, it is true that coconut oil has antiviral properties. Here’s a recap of what the study, by Fabrian M. Dayrit PHD and Mary T. Newport MD, suggests.

What makes coconut oil antiviral?

Lauric acid (C12) and monolaurin have been known for years to have significant antiviral activity.

Lauric acid is a fatty acid that makes up about 50% of coconut oil; monolaurin is a metabolite produced by the body’s own enzymes after ingesting coconut oil. Sodium lauryl sulfate, produced from lauric acid, has also been shown to have potent antiviral properties.

What mechanisms of action can coconut oil derivatives take against the virus?

According to the study, there are three main ways that coconut oil could be used as an antiviral agent against viruses similar to coronavirus (COVID-19):

1. Disintegration of the virus membrane and envelope

   Lauric acid and monolaurin are able to reduce infectivity of enveloped viruses.
   Sodium lauryl sulphate has been shown to solubilise and denature the viral envelope.

2. Inhibits virus maturation

   Lauric acid was proven to be the most active inhibitor against the Junin virus (JUNV), which is an enveloped virus featuring glycoproteins embedded in the lipid bilayer forming viral spikes, which is similar to COVID-19.

3. Prevents binding of viral proteins to the host cell membrane

   A previous study proved that in the presence of Lauric acid, the production of an infectious vesicular stomatitis virus was inhibited in a dose-dependent and reversible manner. After removal of Laurie acid, the antiviral effect disappeared.

   Lauric acid didn’t influence viral membrane protein synthesis, but prevented the binding of viral M proteins to the host cell membrane.

So, how helpful is eating coconut oil against coronavirus?

There’s no hard scientific evidence that coconut oil is helpful against coronavirus, even if derivates such as monolaurin and lauric acid have proved effective agents against other viruses.

But the antiviral, antibacterial nature of a natural ingredient like coconut oil shouldn’t be overlooked.

Incorporate coconut oil into your lifestyle wherever possible — eat a little spoonful of it now and again, cook with it. We highly recommend moisturising with it too. With the increase in frequent hand-washing and alcohol sanitiser, coconut oil is a perfect natural antibacterial moisturiser to combat dry skin.

Coconut oil can nourish the body in many ways, inside and out. The only thing it can’t do is single-handedly take down coronavirus.

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Times are a-changing, but we’re all in this together. We’re still fulfilling orders and making deliveries, so if you’d like to help support our independent small business at this time, you can browse our range of coconut oil products.